Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

If you’re craving a lightning-fast, flavor-packed meal, Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are your new best friend. Juicy shrimp are bathed in a zesty marinade featuring fresh herbs and a major punch of garlic, then grilled to perfection in just minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or any time you want to impress with seriously little effort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers lies in their simplicity—just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients come together to create magic. Each one plays a starring role, building the bold layers of flavor that make this recipe irresistible.

• Large Shrimp: The bigger the better for grilling—look for peeled and deveined for easy prep, but leave tails on if you want an extra pop of color.
• Olive Oil: Helps infuse the shrimp with flavor and ensures the perfect juicy texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds brightness and a touch of citrusy zing that pairs perfectly with garlic and lemon.
• Fresh Parsley: Its mild, fresh-green note rounds out the herby blend and makes the skewers look extra inviting.
• Garlic: The star of the show! Go big on fresh minced garlic for bold flavor that’s never overpowering.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tang and helps keep the shrimp tender as they marinate.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhance every other flavor—don’t skimp!
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for the perfect background heat, but feel free to dial up or down to your preference.

Variations

One of the best perks of Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers is how easy they are to customize. You can play with herbs, swap flavors, or give them a whole new twist based on what you love or have on hand—don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Switch Up the Herbs: Try basil, thyme, or even a little fresh oregano for a new flavor profile (just steer clear of rosemary, which can overwhelm the delicate shrimp).
• Spicy Lovers: Add an extra dash of cayenne, smoked paprika, or a drizzle of chili oil for an irresistible kick.
• Citrus Zing: Swap half the lemon juice for lime or orange for a fun, summery twist.
• Vegetable Add-In: Thread bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini slices onto the skewers along with the shrimp for a colorful, complete meal.

How to Make Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Whisk Up the Zesty Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, stir together olive oil, lemon juice, fresh chopped cilantro and parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Make sure everything is well combined so each shrimp gets coated with maximum flavor. This marinade will become the backbone of your skewers!

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to a bowl and pour about three-quarters of the marinade over the top. Toss gently to coat every shrimp—don’t be shy about getting your hands in to make sure each piece is covered. Pop them in the fridge, covered, and let them soak up the flavor for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour if you have a little extra time).

Step 3: Thread and Prep for the Grill

After marinating, thread the shrimp onto skewers, getting all the delicious garlic and herbs from the bowl onto the shrimp as you go. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 15–30 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn on the grill. Arrange the shrimp snugly but not squished—this helps everything cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil if needed. Place the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side—shrimp are done when they curl up and turn pink with nice, opaque centers. Watch them closely; shrimp cook incredibly fast and you don’t want to miss their juicy window!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

As soon as they come off the grill, transfer the skewers to a serving platter and spoon over the remaining reserved marinade for an extra hit of garlicky goodness. Serve immediately, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Garnishes

Garnish your Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with a shower of extra fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and perhaps some lemon zest for extra brightness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of smoked paprika right before serving will make the flavors pop even more!

Side Dishes

I love serving these skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, lemony couscous, or a fresh summer salad packed with greens and cherry tomatoes. They also pair perfectly with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or even a light pasta tossed with olive oil and more herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the skewers on a large platter over a scattering of greens and lemon wedges for a gorgeous, colorful display. For a fun twist, try mini skewers as appetizers, or set up a DIY shrimp skewer bar with different dips so guests can customize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days—just be sure to remove them from the skewers first for easy storage. They’re fantastic cold over salads or quick tossed into pasta the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked shrimp (off the skewers!) for up to a month, though they’re at their absolute best freshly grilled. To freeze, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

If you want to reheat, do it gently: a quick toss in a hot skillet for just a minute or two is all you need. Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery, so a stovetop or even a brief warmup under a broiler is best to preserve their tenderness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers a try—they’re proof that big, bright flavors don’t need complicated techniques. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or simply jazzing up your Tuesday night, I promise these skewers will bring a burst of sunshine to your table. Enjoy every juicy bite, and don’t forget to share with someone you love!

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